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Questioning YOUR SOURCES?
Evaluating InformationStep 1: Ask yourself "If this information were correct, would it help me prove my claim?"
Step 2: Focus only on the information for which you answered the question yes (this will be information that is not only "consistent with" your claim but "evidence of" it). Step 3: Rule out "evidence" that is only based on feelings of certainty or anecdotes Step 4: Look for evidence that will support your claim in the testimony of experts, statistics, and scientific studies |
TERMS
Peer review: A pre-publication process in which scholars, usually anonymously, review each other's work to improve its quality Periodicals: Publications that come out on a regular schedule, like journals, magazines, or newspapers Primary source: Original information used in analysis Scholarly journal: A periodical containing articles written by and for scholars; almost always peer reviewed Secondary source: A source that analyzes or interprets a primary source and is typically used in support of an argument Authoritative: A way of describing sources whose accuracy can be trusted; scholarly journal articles and books tend to be highly authoritative Anecdote: A real-life experience; too limited in scope to be used as evidence of an overall trend Evidence: Information that can be used to prove a particular claim is true |
Using SIFT to help us evaluate our sources:
The SIFT Method, created by Mike Caulfield, is a way to determine if resources are credible.
Lateral ReadingAdditional SIFT Resources:
Crash Course Navigating Digital Information |
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S - Stop |
I - Investigate the Source
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F - Find Better Coverage
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T - Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media Back to the Original Context |
You can also use the CRAAP test..."When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need." [SOURCE]
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TRY OUT THE CRAAP TEST!
Find those credible sources for your research paper! |
1. Develop the research question
2. Choose the right database: There are multiple databases to choose from, start with a general database and then search by subject 3. Define the terms and concepts: Break down your research question into distinct concepts that can be searched for separately (3 concept words are a great start) 4. Combining terms:
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